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STEMtropolis – Educational Toys, Activities, and all things STEM

Welcome to STEMtropolis, where you’ll learn all about STEM, STEAM, educational toys and activities for all ages. Science, Technology, Engineering, Math, (and Art) for creative play and career development.

STEMtropolis Brothers

Featured Posts

  • xTool F1 Ultra Review: Engrave, Emboss, Cut just about anything

    xTool F1 Ultra Review: Engrave, Emboss, Cut just about anything

    Lasers are versatile tools, and are becoming a more affordable technology for both home and education. Laser engravers are small enough to fit on your desktop, and make a great addition to any makerspace. The XtoolF1 Ultra takes the technology to a new level. By combining fiber and diode lasers in one machine, it handles…

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  • Fun Summer Science Activities for Kids

    Fun Summer Science Activities for Kids

    School’s out and it’s time for vacations, pools, beaches, and games. Just because we’re taking a break doesn’t mean that learning stops! Summer is the perfect time for kids to explore with fun summer science experiments and hands-on activities . With the warm weather and long days, children have the ideal opportunity to step outside…

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Latest Posts

  • Surprising Materials for  Laser Engraving Projects

    Surprising Materials for Laser Engraving Projects

    Most people think laser engraving is just for wood, metal, or plastic. Laser machines can handle a much wider range of materials than you’d expect. Some of the best engraving results come from items you might find in your backyard, kitchen, or craft drawer. This list highlights materials that are easy to overlook but engrave…

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  • Dollar Tree Laser Blanks: Big Engraving Ideas on a Tiny Budget

    Dollar Tree Laser Blanks: Big Engraving Ideas on a Tiny Budget

    Who says laser engraving has to be expensive? There’s a goldmine of blank canvases waiting for you at (believe it or not) your local dollar store. Whether you’re crafting custom gifts, stocking up for a classroom project, or just experimenting with new materials, this bargain store is packed with engravable treasures that won’t break the…

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  • Engraving Curved Surfaces with the F1 Ultra

    Engraving Curved Surfaces with the F1 Ultra

    Have you wanted to engrave designs on mugs or cups without using a rotary tool? With the xTool F1 Ultra laser engraver, you can easily add text and images to curved surfaces. Follow along as we walk through the setup. Let’s get started with simple steps to create personalized cups that look great. Understanding the…

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  • Laser Project Ideas for Schools, Clubs, and Organizations

    Laser Project Ideas for Schools, Clubs, and Organizations

    Laser engraving projects are an exceptional way to engage students, support charitable initiatives, and add a professional, personalized touch to organizational events. Whether you’re aiming to spark creativity in your classroom, raise funds for a worthy cause, or enhance the appeal of your organization’s materials, laser engravers like the xTool F1 Ultra make it easier (and more…

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  • Laser Tool Funding: How to Afford a Laser Engraver

    Laser Tool Funding: How to Afford a Laser Engraver

    Laser tools are expensive.  Sure, adding a laser engraver to your school’s maker space or STEM lab can dramatically enrich your students’ educational experience, spark creativity, encourage entrepreneurial thinking, and teach valuable STEM skills, but the up front cost can be a dealbreaker.  What if you could use the laser engraver itself to fund its purchase?  Laser engravers can…

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  • Educational Ideas for Laser Engraving: STEM Lessons You Can Teach with a Laser Engraver 

    Educational Ideas for Laser Engraving: STEM Lessons You Can Teach with a Laser Engraver 

    Laser engraving offers a practical way to teach core science concepts using real tools and observable results. Students can see how light becomes heat, how materials respond to energy, and how design connects with physics and chemistry.  With machines like the Xtool F1 Ultra, educators gain access to visible, measurable changes that demonstrate lessons in heat transfer,…

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